All of the Above
Hip Hop Academy
Monthly Newsletter: February 2024
Black History is HERE & NOW...
Black History is past, present, and future emerging from the here and now.
It's in swirled bristles dipped in red, gliding across a canvas...
Attend the opening reception for Perspectives in Black: Emerging Visions on Feb 2. 5 - 7 pm. Hosted by OurSpace and AOTA DJ Yz Council will be in spinning.
It's a bass drum mixed so well you can feel it in your chest as rapped lyrics prompt your mind to wonder, hope, and ponder...
Hear AOTA Lead Teaching Artist, James Gardin, at The Robin Theatre, on Feb. 1st.
It's that feeling of forgetting where you are as you stand facing a gallery of creativity...
See Mila Lynn's 24-piece art installation on display during MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine's William G. Anderson Lecture Series. Her art will be displayed at each of the five events. Some of our team will be at the MC Lyte lecture. Maybe we will see you there!
It's in the awe you feel when you see someone defy gravity, over and over and over again...
Mark your calendars for Cap City Jam plus cheer on the USA Olympic Breaking Team in August 2024!
It's in the joy and ear-to-ear smiles that rise when you hear the DJ blend two tracks as you prep to belt out the next song...
Don't miss A Night at the Soul Lounge on Feb. 3rd & 17th. AOTA Teaching Artist DJ Kaely Kellz is an Ourspace resident DJ!
Here are a few more resources and ways to participate:
Read Columbia University's take on the transformative work of Hip Hop in Social Work.
Listen to AOTA Board Member, Suban Nur Cooley, and others', sonic introductions at MSU's Department of African American and African Studies. (AAAS)
Visit Detroit's Charles H. Wright Musem of African American History's AFROFUTURISM IN COSTUME DESIGN (Runs through March 31, 2024)
Attend the James Madison College 2nd Annual Black History Month Symposium.
Ponder on the Instagram pages of Black Liturgies and Black Girl Voices.
Catch up on past AOTA Newsletter issues and share them with a friend.
Learn why Black History Month is set in February.
As we engage in this year's Black History Month and theme, African Americans and the Arts, we can't help but indicate that our primary source of engagement is Hip Hop, which celebrates and honors Black History beyond the 28 days of February.
Thank you for rocking with us in the beyond, the 365 days, and for your continued support in the making of our community's beautiful history, together.
Programs & Updates
Intention Met with Action
In the last newsletter issue, we highlighted "intention" as our theme for the year. In January, we saw it in action.
Youth B.A.R.S students are working on getting on the mic. They reflected together with a range of emotions from excitement to being shocked that they could conquer nerves and fears. They continue to craft their unique styles, sounds, and cadences.
Breaking 102 students are honing in and learning more power moves as they ready themselves for future battles. Morale is high, friendships are deepening, and students are welcoming the challenge.
In DJ Yz Council's words, "Adding a second Intro to DJing class has been amazing" and opened up a whole new world for our pilot class of younger students. The older students have a few upcoming event opportunities with their instructors.
Watch the reels above to get a window into the first half of the winter season.
Grants & Collaborations
Underground of Good and The Community Foundation
AOTA was one of four chosen to receive a grant from Underground of Good, through The Community Foundation.
The Underground of Good is a collective of charitable professionals who join forces to do good for their community. We are honored and grateful they chose AOTA as one to give their recognition and support.
We often refer to these types of partnerships as the band and the sound team. There is no amplification without both parties involved.
Community partner collaboration is a beautiful dance of forward movement. Thank you for dancing with us, Underground of Good and The Community Foundation. We are incredibly grateful!
Farewell SCC, Hello RCAH
Projects are underway, ideas are brewing, guest speakers are planned, and a goodbye party is in the works as we continue our collaboration with Profe. C (MSU Professor and Board Member / AYO Facilitator, Cristian Lambaren-Sanchez.)
This semester marks his last class in MSU's College of Social Sciences, (SSC,), and the beginning of a new chapter at MSU's Residential College in the Arts and Humanities (RCAH.)
Stay tuned for updates!
Highlights
Supporter Highlight
It's not a secret that Downtown Lansing was considered a food desert for decades...at least 30 or 40 years until Capitol City Market arrived. But they didn't stop there. Their dedication to uplifting our local and state-wide entrepreneurs has given many hope for a bright future in Lansing.
"I'm excited to highlight Capital City Market's Instagram post on Alicia's because I know her family from growing up going to youth groups and camps together. When my brother and I used to work together, he would bring me breakfast burritos from her restaurant 2-3 times a week. (So delicious!) She's the real deal and her food is just one of many other local business products available! Meijer isn't just putting out a facade. Their localized efforts are impacting our community members in a real and tangible way." - Carla Brooks
Thank you, Meijer! You're a light in our community and we celebrate you this month!
#Build517
Thank you for continuing to #build517 together with three ways to give:
Volunteer: Fill out the volunteer form and get involved with events in the community.
Spread the Word: Hit forward on this email and send it to a friend who'd like to know about what we're doing.
Donate: Give a one-time gift or become a monthly donor. From $5 to $100, every monthly donor makes a great impact!
Old school appreciation, new school application.
#EachOneTeachOne
#Build517
